Shotgun Tracer

ABSTRACT

A shotgun shell tracer which includes a base wall, an obturator extending from the base wall, an edge wall extending from the base wall opposite to the obturator, where the edge wall defines an internal space, and where a ballast chamber support is engaged to the base wall extending from the base wall within the internal space. The tracer also includes a tracer insert encircling a least a portion of the ballast chamber support within said internal space to form a plurality of sections. The edge wall may include one or more slits to form petals to improve the flight accuracy for the tracer following discharge from a shotgun shell.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/524,023 entitled Shotgun Shell Tracer as filed Aug. 16, 2012.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a shotgun shell having a flight path indicator or tracer for use in the training of sportsman and/or marksman to improve accuracy in striking moving targets.

During training marksmen will frequently miss a moving target. Very few training or practice aids are available to assist sportsmen to improve shooting accuracy. In activities such as trap shooting, skeet shooting, sporting clays, and/or marksmanship practice, a sportsman will find it extremely helpful to visualize the flight path and/or trajectory of a shot relative to a moving target, so that the sportsman may adjust his/her aim in order to more consistently and accurately strike the moving target.

In the past, many shotgun shell tracer devices have utilized combustible and/or other pyrotechnic materials to attempt to visually approximate the path of shot expelled from a shotgun shell. The use of combustible devices frequently results in undesirable fires and/or fire hazards rendering use of a shotgun shell tracer unsafe and impractical.

Also, in the past, the known shotgun shell tracer/flight path indicator training devices were costly to manufacture and incorporate into a standard shotgun shell casing. As a result, the use of a shotgun shell tracer/flight path indicator was uneconomical for many individuals.

In the past, many tracers completely filled a shotgun shell casing replacing the standard shot. A problem with these tracers is the inability to strike and break targets due to the low volume and/or velocity of projectiles, and the inaccuracy of the flight path simulating materials. A sportsman/marksman therefore did not have access to a system or device for training and/or feedback during shooting activities to assist in the observation of a projectile path relative to a target. The usefulness of the simulator devices was, therefore, extremely marginal.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment a shotgun shell tracer includes at least one base wall, at least one obturator extending from the base wall, at least one edge wall extending from the at least one base wall opposite to the obturator, the at least one edge wall defining an internal space, and at least one ballast chamber support engaged to the at least one base wall extending from the at least one base wall into the internal space. The tracer may also include at least one tracer insert constructed and arranged to encircle a least a portion of the at least one ballast chamber support within the internal cavity.

In one embodiment, the at least one ballast chamber support and tracer insert may define two or more divider sections within the internal cavity. The edge wall may also include one or more slits to create petals which improve the accuracy of the tracer following discharge from a shotgun shell.

In at least one embodiment, the at least one tracer insert may be engaged to a least a portion of the at least one ballast chamber support within the internal cavity. In at least one embodiment, the at least one base wall, the at least one obturator and the at least one edge wall may be integral to each other.

In at least one embodiment, the at least one ballast chamber support may be integral to the at least one base wall, the at least one obturator and the at least one edge wall. In at least one embodiment, the at least one tracer insert may have a larger diameter dimension, and be in contact with or spatially separated from, the at least one ballast chamber support.

In at least one embodiment, the two or more divider sections hold a plurality of projectiles. In addition, in at least one embodiment, the edge wall includes a plurality of slits defining a plurality of petals. In some embodiments, the at least one base wall, the at least one obturator and the at least one edge wall define a longitudinal axis. In at least one embodiment, the plurality of slits are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and in other embodiments the plurality of slits are offset or disposed in a curve relative to the longitudinal axis.

The invention also includes a method for forming a shotgun shell tracer including the steps where: a mold generates a tracer including at least one base wall, at least one obturator, at least one edge wall, and at least one ballast chamber support, the at least one edge wall defines an internal space, where the at least one ballast chamber support is positioned within the internal space. Slits may then be placed onto the at least one edge wall to form a plurality of petals. Next an elongate tube may be extruded which is cut into a desired length to form the tracer insert. The tracer insert is then disposed around a portion of the at least one ballast chamber support within the internal space to form a plurality of sections. Once the tracer is inserted into the interior of a shotgun shell casing, a plurality of projectiles are placed within the plurality of sections.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of the shotgun shell tracer taken along the line 1-1 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of the shotgun shell tracer, taken along the line 1-1 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 is a detail partial cut away isometric view of one embodiment of a shotgun shell including a tracer.

FIG. 4 is a detail end view of one embodiment of a ballast chamber support and edge wall taken along the line 4-4 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a detail end view of one embodiment of a tracer insert taken along the line 5-5 off FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a detail isometric view of one embodiment of an edge wall including slits.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view showing consecutive portions of one embodiment of a tracer following discharge of a shotgun shell.

FIG. 8 is an alternative detail isometric view of one embodiment of an edge wall including slits and notches.

FIG. 9 is an alternative isometric view showing consecutive positions of one embodiment of a tracer following discharge from a shot gun shell.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the past, it has been difficult to use a tracer in targeting fast moving crossing objects. A sportsman and/or marksman in these instances has experienced difficulty determining whether a shot and/or a tracer has passed ahead of, or behind, an object such as a crossing clay. This problem generally involves an optical illusion where the eye follows the fast moving crossing target as opposed to a tracer. Therefore, the tracer appears to arc left or right depending upon which direction the target is traveling. The tracer does not have an arcuate trajectory with the exception of loss of altitude due to gravity. Tracers used with fast moving crossing targets appear to indicate that the shot/projectiles 44 were slightly ahead of a target when, in fact, the shot/projectiles 44 were slightly behind the target. As best understood this problem results from the limitations of binocular vision which degrades in effectiveness beyond approximately 20 feet from an individual.

During shooting activities a tracer 10 is predominately used with a sky background, leaving little or no reference points. Therefore, the tracer 10 appears to have traveled further and faster than is actually the case. In many instances, the absence of reference points causes the tracer 10 to appear to have passed ahead of a fast moving target, when the tracer actually passed slightly behind the object. During use, the tracer 10 is never faster than the expelled shotgun projectiles 44 from a shotgun shell 40.

In one embodiment, the non-combustible flight path indicator may have an adjustable flight path which varies depending upon the size of the indicator and/or the amount of ballast used within the indicator. An optically improved representation of a flight path may therefore be provided which more accurately reflects a true flight path for projectiles 44 expelled from a shotgun shell 40 with respect to a fast moving crossing target.

Another problem with the tracers as known is the difficulty in observation of the tracers within the first 20 feet following discharge from a shotgun barrel.

This present application is related to shotgun shell tracers and incorporates by reference herein U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,539,873; 7,171,904; 6,886,468; 6,694,887; 7,174,833 and U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 09/592,475 and 60/554,464 in their entireties.

As may be seen in FIG. 1 the tracer is identified generally by the numeral 10. The tracer 10 may include an obturator 1, ballast chamber support 2, edge wall 18 which may include petals 48, tracer insert 4, and slits 5 defining stabilizers 6.

In at least one embodiment, the tracer 10 includes a lower cavity 12 designed for placement adjacent to the propellant 50 of a shotgun shell 40 (FIGS. 1,7, and 9). The lower cavity 12 may be defined by the obturator 1 and may vary in size, depth, and diameter as desired for a particular type of tracer 10 and/or shotgun shell 40. The walls of the obturator 1 may vary in thickness and may be of any desired size. Generally, the tracer 10 is formed of a plastic material which is formed through an injection molding process. However, other types of molding or manufacturing processes, as well as materials, may be used to form the tracer 10 as desired based on economic and/or convenience considerations.

In some embodiments, the tracer 10 includes a base wall 14 adjacent the obturator 1. In at least one embodiment, the obturator 1 is integral with the base wall 14. In another embodiment the obturator 1 is engaged to the base wall 14. The diameter and the thickness dimensions for the base wall 14 may vary in size as desired, and it is anticipated to be the thickest portion of the tracer 10. In at least one embodiment, the thickness dimensions of obturator 1, base wall 14, and edge wall 18 may be modified as desired to alter the flight characteristics for the tracer 10. For example, the size/thickness dimensions for the obturator 1, base wall 14 and/or edge wall 18 may be adjusted for use with relatively closer targets, more distant targets, and/or crossing targets to provide a desired flight path for representation of discharge projectiles 44 from a shotgun shell 40.

In some embodiments, a ballast chamber support 2 extends forwardly or outwardly from the base wall 14, where the ballast chamber support 2 is centrally disposed within the interior space defined by the edge wall 18. In at least one embodiment, the base wall 14 is engaged to and/or integral with, the ballast chamber support 2 opposite to the obturator 1, within the interior of the shotgun shell 40.

In at least one embodiment, the ballast chamber support 2 is formed of four divider sections 16. In alternative embodiments, the ballast chamber support 2 may be formed of two, three, four, five, six, seven or eight, or any number of divider sections 16 as desired. For ease of manufacturing, it is anticipated that a ballast chamber support 2 will include two, three, or four divider sections 16.

In some embodiments, end 20 of each divider section 16 may be at an angle relative to, or which may be parallel to the base wall 14. The base wall 14 may be substantially perpendicular to the edge wall 18. In at least one embodiment, end 20 of each divider section 16 may include a tapered edge 36.

In some embodiments, the relative angle of the tapered edge 36, which terminates in the end 20, may vary at the discretion of an individual. In some embodiments, the length dimension for the tapered edge 36 may be increased or decreased to accommodate performance considerations for the tracer 10.

In at least one embodiment as may be seen in FIG. 4, an end view of the top of the tracer 10 is shown. As seen in FIG. 4 the divider sections 16 are formed in the shape of a cross and are centrally disposed within the edge wall 18. The divider sections 16 in general establish four quadrants within the tracer 10. If three divider sections 16 are utilized, then three sections will be established within the interior space defined by the edge wall 18. Any number of quadrants/sections may be formed within edge wall 18 to obtain a desired performance configuration for the tracer 10.

In some embodiments, during manufacture or assembly of the shotgun shell 40, the interior of the tracer 10 is filled with projectiles 44 which are roughly divided into the quadrants/sections. In general the quadrants/sections are the areas defined by the space between the divider section 16 and the tracer insert 4. In at least one embodiment projectiles 44 may fill the interior of the tracer 10, up to a level approximately equal to the end 20. In some embodiments, further filling of the tracer 10 with projectiles 44 may occur to cover the ballast chamber support 2, and to completely fill the interior of the shotgun shell 40. The size and shape of the projectiles 44 as disposed within the interior of the tracer 10 and shotgun shell 40, may vary depending upon the type, size and/or gauge of shotgun shell 40 to be utilized by an individual.

In some embodiments, the edge wall 18 is integral with and extends outwardly from the base wall 14. In other embodiments, the edge wall 18 may be engaged to the base wall 14. The thickness and length dimensions for the edge wall 18 may vary depending upon the type and/or size of shotgun shell 40 to be utilized by an individual. It is anticipated that the tracer 10 may be sized for use within a standard 2 ³/4 or 3 inch type, or longer shotgun shell 40. The thickness of the divider sections 16 of the ballast chamber support 2 may also vary in dimension depending upon the type and/or size of the shotgun shells 40 to be utilized by an individual. The length dimension for the divider sections 16, extending outwardly from the base wall 14, may vary depending upon the type, gauge, and/or size of the shotgun shell 40 to be utilized by an individual, which in turn may alter the type and/or size dimensions selected for the tracer insert 4. In at least one embodiment, the length dimension for the divider sections 16 is less than, equal to, or more than the length dimension for the edge wall 18. In at least one embodiment the length dimension for the edge wall 18 is less than, equal to, or more than the length dimension for the cylindrical wall 38 of the shotgun shell 40.

In least one embodiment, shotgun shells 40 of different gauges may have multiple alternative configurations of a tracer 10, including one of a multiple of variations for the size dimensions selected for the ballast chamber support 2.

In at least one alternative embodiment, the edge wall 18 may have a length dimension of sufficient size so that the edge wall 18 extends from the base wall 14 the entire length of the cylindrical wall 38 of shotgun shell 40 towards the discharge end 42. In some embodiments, the edge wall 18 may have a length dimension which extends only portion of the length of the cylindrical wall 38 towards the discharge end 42.

In some embodiments is anticipated that the tracer 10 will include a cylindrical or tubular shaped tracer insert 4. In some embodiments, the tracer insert 4 will be formed of plastic material, or other materials, which may be formed through an extrusion manufacturing process, or which may be formed of another type of manufacturing process as desired, based on economic and/or convenience considerations. The tracer insert 4 is depicted in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 5.

In some embodiments, the tracer insert 4 includes a top edge 24, a bottom edge 26, an inner wall 28, an outer wall 30, and a centrally disposed opening 32. The tracer insert 4 is preferably cylindrically tubular in shape. The thickness dimension between the inner wall 28 and the outer wall 30 may vary depending on the density and properties of the materials selected for the tracer insert 4, and as based on desired performance considerations for the tracer 10.

In some embodiments, a space 34 may exist between the outer wall 30 and the edge wall 18 (FIG. 2). In some embodiments, the space 34 between the outer wall 30 and the edge wall 18, may be of insufficient size to receive projectiles 44. In other embodiments the space 34 may be of sufficient size to receive one or more projectiles 44. In at least one embodiment, the outer wall 30 is adjacent to, or in contact with, the edge wall 18, were no space 34 is provided. In at least one embodiment, the outer wall 30 is frictionally engaged with the interior of the edge wall 18 to secure the location of the tracer insert 4 relative to the edge wall 18.

In at least one embodiment, the tracer insert 4 is positioned to encircle the ballast chamber support 2. In at least one embodiment, the tracer insert 4 may have a length or height dimension which is sufficient to completely encircle the ballast chamber support 2. In other embodiments, the length or height dimension for the tracer insert 4 may only encircle a portion of the ballast chamber support 2. In alternative embodiments, the length or height dimension for the tracer insert 4 may exceed the length or height dimension for the ballast chamber support 2, where the upper edge 24 extends beyond the end 20, towards the discharge end 42 of the shotgun shell 40.

In at least one embodiment, the outer edge 22 of divider sections 16 are in frictional contact with the inner wall 28 of the tracer insert 4. In some embodiments, the friction fit engagement between the outer edges 22 and the inner wall 28 retains the tracer insert 4 in a desired position relative to the ballast chamber support 2 and/or the edge wall 18 of the tracer 10.

In at least one embodiment, the thickness dimension for the tracer insert 4 may be increased or decreased. In some embodiments, the separation distance between the outer edge 22 of the ballast chamber support 2 and the inner surface of the edge wall 18 may be increased or decreased dependent upon the thickness dimension selected for the tracer insert 4.

In at least one alternative embodiment, a tracer insert 4 may be included or omitted from the interior of a shot gun shell 40. In some embodiments, the separation distance between the outer edge 22 of a divider section 16 and the edge wall 18 will be small, limiting the available space for holding projectiles 44. In alternative embodiments, the separation distance between the outer edge 22 of a divider section 16 and the edge wall 18 will be relatively large, establishing a relatively expansive space for holding of a desired number of projectiles 44.

In some embodiments, where the tracer insert 4 is omitted, the outer edges 22 of the divider sections 16 are adjacent to the edge wall 18.

In some embodiments, the divider sections 16 upon exposure to heat occurring as a result of discharge of a shotgun shell 40 are sufficiently pliable/malleable to capture, or to be impregnated with projectiles 44, which in turn will function as ballast for the tracer 10 upon discharge of a shotgun shell 40. In at least one embodiment, projectiles 44 become entrapped/embedded within the base wall 14, divider sections 16, and/or tracer insert 4 to provide sufficient ballast for the tracer 10, upon discharge of a shot gun shell 40, so that the tracer 10 may follow expelled shot.

In at least one embodiment, the tracer insert 4 as well as the divider sections 16, and/or base wall 14 are formed of a material which upon exposure to heat occurring as a result of discharge of a shot gun shell 40 is sufficiently pliable/malleable to capture, or to be impregnated with, projectiles 44, which in turn function as ballast for the tracer 10. In at least one embodiment, projectiles 44 become entrapped/embedded within the inner wall 28, divider sections 16, and/or base wall 14 to provide sufficient ballast for the tracer 10, to follow expelled shot in flight, following discharge of a shotgun shell 40.

In some embodiments, the tracer insert 4 is formed by an extrusion process, where each individual tracer insert 4 is cut to a desired length. In some embodiments the diameter dimension for the centrally disposed opening 32 for the tracer insert 4 will be larger, and in other embodiments the diameter for the centrally disposed opening 32 will be smaller. In some embodiments, the length dimension for the tracer insert 4 will be longer, and in other embodiments the length dimension for the tracer insert 4 will be smaller dependent upon performance considerations, such as shotgun shell length, diameter, and gauge of projectiles 44.

In some embodiments, the edge wall 18 may include one or more slits 5. The one or more slits 5 may separate upon discharge of a shotgun shell 40 to form petals/protrusions 48 which function in a manner similar to fletching as used on arrows (FIGS. 7 and 9). The slits 5 in some embodiments assist to establish a spin (arrow 52) on the expelled the tracer 10 to improve flight in a straight path, representing the trajectory of expelled shot/projectiles 44 from a shotgun shell 40 (FIGS. 7 & 9). In some embodiments, the slits 5 will have a relatively shorter length dimension. In other embodiments the slits 5 will have an increase length dimension. In alternative embodiments, the slits 5 may be at a desired angle or curve relative to a longitudinal axis 46 (FIG. 3). In other embodiments the slits 5 may be parallel to the longitudinal axis 46. It should be noted that in certain embodiments, that the edge wall 18 is not required to include any slits 5. In some embodiments, the edge wall 18 may include one, two, three, four or more slits 5.

In at least one embodiment, the slits 5 are angled or arcuate relative to the longitudinal axis 46 (FIGS. 6 and 8). In at least one embodiment, four sets of slits 5 are utilized in the edge wall 18, where each slit 5 is equally spaced from an adjacent slit 5 around the circumference of edge wall 18. In other embodiments, the slits 5 are not equally spaced from each other around the circumference of the edge wall 18. In at least one embodiment, slits 5 fold back upon exiting the shotgun barrel to provide additional flight accuracy. In at least one embodiment, the slits 5 upon discharge from a shotgun barrel form helical shaped petals 48.

As may be seen in FIGS. 1, 6, and 8, in at least one embodiment, edge wall 18 includes one or more slits 5 which are arcuate in shape, and which may be helical or spiral curved in shape relative to the longitudinal axis 46.

In some embodiments, each slit 5 may include an offset slit portion 54 which intersects a slit 5 to form a point proximate to the discharge end 42. In some embodiments, the section or portion of the edge wall 18 between a slit 5 and an adjacent offset slit portion 54 may be referred to as a stabilizer 6.

In some embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 7, the edge wall 18 following discharge of a shotgun shell 40 will separate along the slits 5 and the offset slit portion 54, to form a slot adjacent to the offset slit portion 54, which in turn may enhance the performance characteristics of the tracer 10.

In at least one embodiment, slits 5 are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 46. In some embodiments, one or more slits 5 include an arcuate component and simultaneously, one or more slits 5 are substantially straight and do not include an arcuate component. In some embodiments, the slits 5 are each of an identical shape and configuration having a common length dimension. In other embodiments, the slits 5 may have different shapes or configurations and may be of the same or a different length dimension.

In at least one embodiment as depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9, each petal 48 may include a notch 56 in the edge wall 18 opposite to the base wall 14. In some embodiments, the notch 56 on each petal 48 is placed in an identical location with respect to other petals 48 and in other embodiments, each notch 56 may be disposed in a petal 48, in a different location.

In some embodiments, the notch 56 functions to establish a tab 58 at the top of a petal 48. In some embodiments, the tab 58 functions to enhance drag stabilization of the tracer 10 following discharge from a shotgun shell 40. In some embodiments, drag stabilization is the force at the back end of a projectile, with respect to the center of gravity, which maintains the projectile on the longitudinal axis 46. In some embodiments, air resistance on the tab 58 may reduce or improve the efficiency of the tracer 10 which may be minimal as compared to the overall aerodynamic efficiency of the tracer 10.

In some embodiments, the tab 58 increases the spin rate of the tracer 10 in the direction of arrow 52. In other embodiments, slits 5, offset slit portions 54, tabs 58 and notches 56 may be configured to impart rotation on the tracer 10 in a direction opposite to the direction of arrow 52.

In some embodiments, the asymmetrical aerodynamic forces on tab 58 will increase the spin rate of the tracer 10 following discharge from a shotgun shell 40, and in other embodiments the asymmetrical aerodynamic forces on the tab 58 will reduce or slow the spin rate of the tracer 10 following discharge from a shotgun shell 40. In some embodiments, the petals 48 are not as efficient in imparting spin to the tracer 10 as may be accomplished through the use of fletching as used on arrows.

In some embodiments, the use of tabs 58 improves the accuracy of the tracer 10 following discharge of a shotgun shell 40. In some embodiments, upon discharge of a shotgun shell 40 the petals 48 will uniformly open as depicted in FIGS. 7 and 9. In other embodiments, upon discharge of the shotgun shell 40, the petals 48 do not uniformly open. In some embodiments, the petals 48 following exit from a shotgun barrel are exposed to a relatively high degree of leverage as placed on the longitudinal axis of the tracer 10. In some embodiments, the tabs 58 function to open more quickly than the remainder of the petals 48 and function in a manner similar to a pilot chute to lead in the opening of the petals 48 outwardly or back into a shuttlecock shape.

In some embodiments, the tracer 10 provides some degree of flexibility in the shot load or tracer ballast for inclusion in a shot gun shell 40.

In some embodiments, the tracer 10 may have nearly straight walls (as compared to rose bud shaped) which allows the tracer 10 to be formed through the use of standard feeder bowls during the manufacturing process. In at least one embodiment, the tracer 10 may be installed in one of the extra turrets on a loader during manufacture.

In some embodiments, the base wall 14, the obturator 1, edge wall 18, and/or ballast chamber support 2 may be formed from an injection molding process, where each of these elements are formed into a single unit. In some embodiments, the tracer insert 4 is formed by an extrusion process as a separate element. In some embodiments, the tracer insert 4 is pressed over the ballast chamber support 2, where the inner wall 28 is in frictional engagement with the outer edge 22 of a respective divider section 16. Between each divider section 16 and the inner wall 28 a plurality of quadrants/sections are created, as a result of the space within the centrally disposed opening 32. In some embodiments, the space between the divider sections 16 and the inner wall 28, within each quadrant/section, will be filled with projectiles 44.

In at least one embodiment, the discharge of propellant 50 used in a shotgun shell 40 will create approximately 10,000 psi of pressure and heat within the interior of the tracer 10, which in turn will cause the base wall 14, tracer insert 4 and ballast chamber support 2 to fuse together and will further cause a plurality of projectiles 44 to become embedded in the base wall 14, divider sections 16, inner wall 28, and/or edge wall 18. The embedding of projectiles 44 into the base wall 14, divider section 16, inner wall 28, and/or edge wall 18 establishes the ballast for the tracer 10 proximate to the base wall 14. Following exit from a shot gun barrel, the edge wall 18 will encounter air resistance and the petals 48 will separate along slits 5. In some embodiments the ballast proximate to the base wall 14 during discharge of a shotgun shell 40 causes the tracer 10 to flip or rotate 180° in flight similar to a badminton shuttlecock (FIGS. 7 and 9). The discharge of a shotgun shell 40 in some embodiments will cause the tracer 10 to follow the flight of expelled shot/projectiles 44 (arrow 60), where the tracer 10 will be visible to the unassisted eyes of individual, to permit observation of the vector/direction of the tracer 10 relative to a target such as a clay pigeon, thereby assisting in aiming during shooting activities.

In some embodiments, the discharge of the shotgun shell 40 also causes the edge wall 18 to open along the slits 5 to promote the rotation of the tracer 10 around a longitudinal axis 46 during flight to better represent discharged projectile paths from a shotgun shell 40.

In some embodiments, the discharge of the shotgun shell 40 causes the top of the edge wall 18, along the slits 5 to fold over to form a tab or end. In some embodiments, the discharge of the shotgun shell 40 causes a sufficient temperature increase to melt/fuse the base wall 14 and/or the divider sections 16 to the tracer insert 4 into a single unit.

In some embodiments, the shape of the tracer 10 including the obturator 1, ballast chamber support 2, base wall 14, divider section 16, and edge wall 18 facilitates the inclusion of metal and water cooling passages, within a mold, proximate to the portion of the tracer 10 which has the largest thickness dimension, which is anticipated to be proximate to the base wall 14 and obturator 1. The inclusion of an increased thickness of metal within a mold, along with water cooling passages, proximate to the thickest portion of the tracer 10, enables the mold to be cooled more rapidly during an injection molding process, improving cycle times during manufacture of tracer 10.

In some embodiments, projectiles 44 are disposed within the interior of the tracer 10 from a position proximate to the base wall 14 upwardly to the top of the discharge end 42 of the shotgun shell 40. In some embodiments, the elevation and/or relative positioning of the base wall 14 may be raised or lowered to a predetermined position during the molding process to provide for a desired volume of projectiles 44 and size of tracer 10.

In some embodiments, the composition, properties and/or density of the materials utilized in the injection molding process may be adjusted to provide a particular type of tracer 10. In some embodiments, the composition, properties and/or density of the material used in the extrusion molding process for the tracer insert 4 may be adjusted to provide for a particular type of tracer insert 4. In some embodiments, one or both of the composition, properties and/or density for either of the injection or extrusion molding process may be adjusted to provide a desired type of tracer 10. In some embodiments the adjustment of the composition, properties and/ or density of the materials utilized in injection molding and/or extrusion process will alter the performance characteristics of the tracer 10 to provide a desired size and flight path of the tracer 10 following discharge of a shotgun shell 40.

In at least one embodiment, a method for formation of a tracer 10 within a shotgun shell 40 is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method initiates with the provision of a standard/conventional shotgun shell casing, including a strike plate, primer, and propellant 50 which may be fed into automated manufacturing equipment such as turrent assemblies. In at least one embodiment, a tracer 10 including the elements of the obturator 1, base wall 14, edge wall 18, and ballast chamber support 2 may be formed in a separate manufacturing process including formation by an injection molding process or an extrusion molding process. The tracer 10 following manufacture may be inserted into a turret assembly for insertion into the shotgun shell casing.

In at least one embodiment in another separate manufacturing process the cylindrically shaped tracer insert 4 may be formed by a continuous extrusion process where the desired length of tracer insert 4 is cut from a substantially continuous tube.

In one embodiment the manufacturing process for the tracer 10 may include a mold. The mold in turn may include water/cooling passages proximate to the thickest cross-section for the tracer 10, which in at least one embodiment is located proximate to the obturator 1 and/or base wall 14. The provision of water cooling passages in the mold expedite manufacturer cycle times. In some embodiments, cycle times for formation of tracer 10 are limited/restricted by the time required to cool the mold/materials following injection. The cooling of the material for the tracer 10 may require that the mold include relatively thicker metal portions adjacent to the obturator 1 and base wall 14. In addition, the inclusion of water/cooling passages reduces the necessity for the spreading and/or separation of the petals 48 formed by the slits 5 during the cooling process.

In at least one embodiment, the tracer 10 is disposed into the casing of the shotgun shell 40, where the obturator 1 is positioned proximate to the propellant 50, and the edge wall 18 is disposed adjacent to the cylindrical wall 38 of the shotgun shell 40.

In at least one embodiment, the tracer insert 4 which has been cut to a desired length is then inserted into the interior of the centrally disposed opening 32 in surrounding engagement or encircling the ballast chamber support 2, where the outer edges 22 of the divider section 16 are proximate to the inner wall 28 of the tracer insert 4.

In at least one embodiment, projectiles 44 may then be introduced into the interior of the tracer 10 and casing for the shotgun shell 40. The discharge end 42 of the shotgun shell 40 may then be closed/sealed by conventional manufacturing techniques.

At least one embodiment, the tracer 10 functions in a manner similar to a conventional wad as a filler or spacer between the propellant 50 and the projectiles 44 so that the available volume of the shotgun shell cartridge is filled to a desired level with projectiles 44.

In at least one embodiment, the tracer 10 includes the obturator 1 and base wall 14 which establishes a low center of gravity for the tracer 10, which in turn enables the tracer 10 to be more easily fed into a conventional feeder assembly. The obturator 1 and base wall 14 preferably function to minimize the necessity for flaring, or for a rosebud shape, for the petals 48 during the manufacturing process, as may be required by conventional feeder bowls. In at least one embodiment, the tracer 10 is manufactured by a more efficient extrusion or injection molding process as compared to a conventional wad.

In at least one embodiment, the tracer insert 4 may be manufactured through an extrusion process with less expensive, recycled plastic resins, and cut to the desired length with an automated knife The ability to vary the length of the tracer insert 4 enables use of the tracer 10 with shotshells of varied capacities. In at least one embodiment, once the tracer insert 4 has been disposed over the ballast chamber support 2, and the projectiles 44 have been introduced into the shot gun shell casing, then ballast has been introduced for the shot gun shell 40. In at least one embodiment, the tracer insert 4 may be automatically installed on the ballast chamber support 2 as part of the manufacturing process of the shot gun shell 40 by use of one extra turret on a loading machine.

In the above description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to an artisan of ordinary skill that the present invention may be practiced without incorporating all aspects of the specific details described herein. In other instances, specific features, quantities, or measurements well known to those of ordinary skill in the art have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention. Readers should note that although examples of the invention are set forth herein, the claims, and the full scope of any equivalents, are what define the metes and bounds of the invention.

While the invention herein disclosed has been described by means of specific embodiments and applications thereof, numerous modifications and variations could be made thereto by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention set forth in the claims. 

1. A shotgun shell tracer comprising: a. at least one base wall, at least one obturator extending from said base wall, at least one edge wall extending from said at least one base wall opposite to said obturator, said at least one edge wall defining an internal space; and b. at least one ballast chamber support engaged to said at least one base wall wherein said at least one ballast chamber support extends from said at least one base wall within said internal space.
 2. The shotgun shell tracer according to claim 1 further comprising at least one tracer insert constructed and arranged to encircle a least a portion of said at least one ballast chamber support within said internal space.
 3. The shotgun shell tracer according to claim 2, said at least one ballast chamber support comprising at least two divider sections.
 4. The shotgun shell tracer according to claim 3, said at least one edge wall comprising at least one slit.
 5. The shotgun shell tracer according to claim 4, said at least one slit being constructed and arranged to form at least one petal.
 6. The shotgun shell tracer according to claim 5 wherein said at least one tracer insert is engaged to a least a portion of said at least one ballast chamber support within said internal space.
 7. The shotgun shell tracer according to claim 5 wherein said at least one base wall, said at least one obturator and said at least one edge wall are integral to each other.
 8. The shotgun shell tracer according to claim 7 wherein said at least one ballast chamber support is integral to said at least one base wall, said at least one obturator, and said at least one edge wall.
 9. The shotgun shell tracer according to claim 5 wherein said at least one tracer insert is spatially separated from said at least one ballast chamber support.
 10. The shotgun shell tracer according to claim 5 wherein said at least two divider sections are constructed and arranged to receive a plurality of projectiles.
 11. The shotgun shell tracer according to claim 5 further comprising a plurality of slits.
 12. The shotgun shell tracer according to claim 11 further comprising a plurality of petals.
 13. The shotgun shell tracer according to claim 11 wherein said at least one base wall, said at least one obturator and said at least one edge wall define a longitudinal axis.
 14. The shotgun shell tracer according to claim 13 wherein said plurality of slits are substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis.
 15. The shotgun shell tracer according to claim 13 wherein said plurality of slits are arcuate relative to said longitudinal axis.
 16. A method of forming a shotgun shell tracer comprising: a. molding at least one base wall, at least one obturator, at least one edge wall, and at least one ballast chamber support, said at least one edge wall defining an internal space, said at least one ballast chamber support being positioned within said internal space; b. slitting said at least one edge wall to form a plurality of petals; c. extruding an elongate tubular member; d. cutting said elongate tubular member to form a tracer insert; and e. placing said tracer insert around said at least one ballast chamber support within said internal space to form a plurality of sections.
 17. The method according to claim 16 further comprising inserting said tracer into an interior of a shotgun shell casing.
 18. The method according to claim 17 further comprising placing a plurality of projectiles within said plurality of sections.
 19. The method according to claim 18 further comprising enclosing said tracer within said shotgun shell casing. 